I did not grow up in an athletic family. None of my siblings played sports, and neither of my parents. My only high school sport outside of gym class was being on the rifle team. That was comprised of shooting a 22 rifle in prone position. There was nowhere to fall from that height! I bought my first bicycle ever when I turned 40. Since then, the only serious sport I have pursued is golf, and only starting that at the tender age of 46.

Therefore, I have not always displayed the best judgement when trying to perform physical activities. I get injured quite often from my own stupidity. So, about ten days ago I was in Pilates mat class. The instructor got everyone in plank position and I dutifully modified my position to knees and hands. Then she said to do five push-ups. I KNOW that I cannot do push-ups. My neck and shoulder weakness prevents that. But, I tried two little, teeny-tiny 1 to 2-inch push-ups and am now paying the price for it big time. I didn’t know it till I got to Yoga class that evening. We were laying in an open-heart restorative pose, and my arm became really uncomfortable.

Then, I played nine holes of golf on Monday. I just had to get out and see my friends and try the clubs after not even picking them up all winter. The shoulder was a bit sore after that, but settled down fairly well. I saw my physical therapist on Wednesday, and she worked on it for awhile and such. But, it has been getting worse since then. It is very hard to sleep. I tried some ibuprofen, but it isn’t making much difference. I’m just counting the hours till Monday when I can call the PT again and see what’s going on.

I wish I were more levelheaded when it comes to making physical activity choices. I started it all a bit later in life than most folks and need to learn to take things more slowly. I just want to do what the big kids do!